Dissapointment, is not the word....

Dear Gentle Reader

I don't even know how to start this blog post so I'll start it as thoughts pop up in my head. This blog post also can be considered as a wake-up call for all the honest, kind tatters out there. Now you can do what you like with this information, but if I was you, after reading this post, I'd be very careful whom do I befriend. One doesn't befriend someone and take advantage of all the kindness and support and then just stab the person in the back. You know who you are, shame on you!!! It's dissapointing, unprofessional, revolting, tasteless and fundamentally idiotic, I honestly can't find enough words to describe their actions. A true friend would never treat another friend like this. NEVER!!! As the song says "No more Mr Nice guy....".... Like it or not these things have to be voiced.... 

It came to my attention that recently some individuals were creeping into some circles causing trouble, not only that, but so much trouble and anguish, hurt that higher authorities had to be involved.  These people directly and willingly are set out to destroy what has been built up for generations in our tatting world, by their lies, threatory and threats. They'll become your friends and then they'll stab you in the back. Friends of friends associating themselves with these individuals don't realized that they are playing with fire and sitting on a time bomb, because once these individuals get in, they will destroy everything like wild fire. Warning them does nothing, they don't have ears to hear or eyes to see. These characters have no scrupules, nothing is sacred to them, notions like friendship, trust, loyalty, respect, gratitude are missing from their vocabulary and if they read this blog, maybe they should look these words up and write them down 1000 times or as many times as the meaning of these words will sink in. They will use everything and anything to destroy your credibility, good name, business and life. I'm very dissapointed, angry, frustrated to hear the length these individuals would go to destroy someone. For what? More profit? Control? Revange? Greed? If you don't do what I say I'll destroy you, kind of thing? God only knows what's in their sick and twisted minds. Nobody who gets between them and their goal is safe, they'll get you and they'll destroy, ruin you if you don't comply with their demands. 

But why bother you ask? I'll tell you why..... Because tatting belongs to everyone whom are willing to learn, not just certain privileged people.... EVERYONE .... And as long as I have breath in me I shall stay true to these beliefs and if there are enough of us out there, who believe that tatting is for everyone FREE OF CHARGE , these individuals will be defeated and surgically removed from trusted circles..... Everyone has to know that individuals like those are out there ready to get you, trust noone. If you must trust someone make sure, that person is a loyal to you, trustworthy and honest and would never betray you, no matter what. When hate, lies are spread, everyone loses, the enemy wins. Let's not let the enemy win!!! These people don't worth the dirt under my shoes!!! Two faced snakes they are, slithering in the grass ready to bite you and infect you with their venom.  What to do to protect yourself from these snakes? Stay united and true to your beliefs, support those who have something to say, whom built and continue to build on this truth, who want tatting to reach the next level FREE and unhinged. I will NEVER be afraid to stand by those whom voice the truth. If we all do this, those snakes will dissappear in the long grass, will remain nameless and time will grind them up. 

Ladies and gentlemen these are the facts and issues the tatting world and tatters are facing on daily bases....for how long are these dangerous characters will be let to hurt others that don't give in? When enough is ENOUGH? What will take for these individuals to be permanently shut down? 

I guess time will answer all these questions....but if the shoe fits, SHAME ON You!!!!! .... 

My Thread Stash

Dear Gentle Reader

I'm sure everyone faced a dilemma when starting a new craft and asked the same questions, do I build up a stash or buy stuff I need as I go. Decisions, decisions.... BUT whatever your answer is to your dilemma tour stash will grow overnight like mushrooms after the rain. Then as it grows another dilemma hits you out if the blue.... Where do I store and how do I store my threads and stuff? With stuff other then threads it's easy.... Drawers, plastic containers (it helps. If they have wheels) or other storage spaces come into play here. With threads are a different story.....these colourful little balls of thread delight are a real challenge of you're sanity when they get tangled into a Gordian knot..... Yaikssss.....we all love our threads too much to just chuck them into the bin and be done with. And here come in play hairpins, elastic bands, all sorts of wonder tapes, specially designed thread ball holders, plastic or organza balls. In the last ones I store my threads. Here you can read more about storing cotton threads at home and why.

My threads are organized by size in each drawer, with their labels so I know the name, code and size. This is important for when you need to order more. 

However my practice/waste threads are chucked in a container, their ends well hidden, but sometimes the thread pixy gets mischievous and magically with surgical precision unravel those ends causing drama in the box. (please insert here a long sigh). 

However on a happier note among my cotton threads I have poliester threads. These were recommended to me by a good friend and trusty me they are amazing. They are strong and waterproof and mostly they are used for jewellery making. You also need a thread zapper because when cut with scissors those ends will get fuzzy and that's not good. Read all about this thread here. 

And then I have some hand died threads.... They are awesomeness of the thread world, gorgeous to tat with. You can also follow The Online Tatting Class YouTube channel, where the teacher(s) will give you tips and advice about threads. 

There are many designers or just common people who just like to play with colours and threads. I'm one of those and who knows, maybe one day I'll end up dying my own thread.....nothing commercial, just for myself 😜

The ideas I shared with you here are not solely mine, I'm sharing what I heard from other people or read in magazines. 

All the best 

Annamaria 

A new way of making lace - Cro-tatting :)

Dear Gentle Reader, 

I've been flirting with cro-tatting for a while now, until the day I ordered 2 tatting needles with hooked and I gave this lace making techniques a try.

Was a bit tricky at the beginning but then like a light bulb my hooked tatting needle behaved and we created the 1 motif that put a silly grin on my face. Cro-tatting might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I had fun creating this motif. 

Cro-tatting, or crochet tatting, is a lacemaking technique that combines tatting and crochet, using a tatting needle with a crochet hook on the end instead of traditional shuttles or large hooks. The process involves making stitches on the needle, similar to needle tatting, but using a tool that resembles a crochet hook. This technique creates more intricate, detailed lace that is more flexible than traditional tatting, and can be used with thread for delicate edgings or larger yarn for wearable items.

Tools and Materials 

Cro-tatting needle/hook: A specialized tool with a long, straight shank and a hook on the end.

Yarn or thread: Cotton-based threads are preferred as they don't stretch as much.

Technique

Making the stitch: The thread is manipulated around the fingers and slid through the stitches on the hook. 

Creating rings and chains: Rings and chains are formed, similar to other forms of tatting. 

Joining elements: The completed rings and chains can then be joined together to create larger, more complex designs. 

Key Characteristics

Flexibility: The technique offers a more flexible lace than shuttle tatting. 

Error correction: Unlike shuttle tatting, errors can be easily corrected by unfolding the work. 

Versatility: It can be adapted for various projects by using different sizes of hooks and threads or yarns.

This is what happens when doodles just fit into eachother

My 1st cro-tatted Daffy Doodle.... How cute is that!! 😁The middle is something that should have looked like something else I was working on, but it curled up, so in my frustration I just chucked it on my craft table and it landed right next to the round motif. Then it caught my eyes and after a few seconds I was grinning ear to ear because I just knew it was fate or providence or some other magic that brought these 2 elements together. Not only that it brought them together, but made them look cute too 😁😜😂

Special projects 2025

Dear Gentle Reader 

A while back I started this special project for a friend.  She needed some napkin ring holders in autumnal colours.  After days of searching (mostly YouTube), digging on the Internet I found a few patterns that inspired me to make these. Although I've met a few technique challenges along the way, I had to learn how to tat around the cabon/curtain ring, then how to make picots on the carbon ring - this wasn't easy because, holding a picot gauge against the ring can be a challenge itself. I nearly borrowed a few fingers from hubs for this.😜But as you can see, I've managed to do it on my own 😜😂😁. Then I had to embellish them with beads and leaves to make them even more special. I used my own mix called Frosty Autumn. 

and these.... Don't they look like leaves on a branch or leaves dancing in the wind? If they do, mission accomplished, because THAT was the idea 😜😁🍁🍂The leaves are Muskaan patterns from her collection Let's flourish, E25-Leaf Doodle nr 2, link here. These small leaves were tatted using Lizbeth heard size 20, 40 and 80. And just like that another idea was born. 

These are and inspiration from another pattern I love. Wanda Salmans at wandasknottythoughts has the most amazing little button Ornaments for one's Christmas tree, link here. Ornament nr 1 inspired me to steal a little bit of Ireland in those decorations; the limpet ring and the seaglass are from the beaches near to my home, I hope they'll bring smiles to their faces and they'll enjoy those ornaments as much as I enjoyed making them.

All the best

Happy Tatting

Annamaria

Tatting goes........ 2025

17th of August - Tatting goes.....banding to Bray

I love Bray, it's one of the most busiest seaside in Ireland around Dublin, it's a gorgeous place to visit, food is amazing, ice-cream that only in Italy you'll find. Crown all that with an amazing performance of my local band. And yes I'm playing with them too, I play percussion (you know all those small bits that make beautiful noise.... Yep, that's me 😁😜🤦🤷) 

It's only 1h30 min away from home, but it's always the bands fav place to perform. 

Another awesome outing with the band, warm weather, delicious icecream, good performance 😜 I was working on a project for a friend, tatting autumnal leaves for napkin holders, (read all about it here). She wanted those napkin holders for her son's wedding that will take place in September. So my shuttles were smoking while creating those tiny leaves. The patterns was boring simple, but blink and Murphy will put a hold to the whole project. Sheeeesh. I wish Murphy would find another home 🤷🤦. Anyway skipping that obstacle I've actually manages to tat half of the leaf, that I started home, continued in the bus to the venue and back between a snooze, I was tired 🤦

24th of August - Tatting goes....for a ride 😜

Today we decided to go for a drive around. It was a nice spin after I and hubby and father-in-law went for lunch. Lunch was fabulous, I had fried brie on a bed of salad with cranberry sauce vinegrette and a small bowl of chips.... Yummm.... So yummm that I have forgotten to take pics. 😜😁😂 Hubs had kajun chicken wrap and father-in-law had bacon, veg and mash. Anyways....after driving around and admiring the landscape and enjoying the awesome weather we were having, we finally stopped for an ice cream.... One can't beat a 99 in a cup....yum yum...

Don't worry I cleaned my hands after the ice cream (Snowflake Lynn by Jennifer Williams). Tatting snowflakes in 22 degrees it somewhat makes you think and feel cooler. Does it? Kinda... Sorta.... Maybe a teeniny bit....however moving along, when the snowflake will decorate your Xmas tree, you'll think back to the hot, sweaty days of August. 

Devouring the mouth watering delight we returned home, looking forward to the next outing. 

On the way home we saw this field peppered with straw bales and the photographer in me just had to stop and play 😁😂😜

14th of September - Tatting goes to Kingscourt Band Festival

Kingscourt Band Festival.

St Mary's Brass & Reed Band, Kingscourt, will host 11 Bands and provide an afternoon of delightful musical entertainment, all culminating with the 11 Bands joining forces in a Massed Band Parade at 5.30pm

(pattern here, Eileen Stafford's Blue Doily) 

Once we played our lost energy was quickly restored by a cup of coffee, some snacks and ice cream, purrrrrfect ending of a purrrrrfect day. Among the bands there were old rivals we would bump into at competitions, but today was all about entertainment. 😜😁 Fabulous times and musical memories. 

11th of October - Tatting goes North 

This year like other years same date same place the band and this tatter/musician goes to Armagh for the championship. 

The 2025 Northern Ireland (NIBA) Band Championships will be held on October 11 (Flutes, Accordions, and Concert Bands) and October 18 (All Brass sections) at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh. 

1st pic on the buss, full of expectations; 2nd at the venue, 3rd pic is back stage, all set up and ready to play. Judging from the adjudication the person in charge, kind lady was nicely surprised by our performance, she liked what I played and prized many players and sections. Overall good performance that got us the cup for the 4th time. Best band over all Ireland and the  Northern Ireland. We'll done everyone involved 😊👍You must have seen my little motif a few times through my posts, I've chosen this for travelling purposes because it's an easy piece, doesn't need much concentration and it's repetitive. (Blue Doily by Eileen Stafford). I always choose something easy when I travel either by car, bus, train or plane, thank goodness there's plenty patterns to chose from. Eventually I get to finish it 😂😁😜

27th of October - Tatting goes to.... Carligford :) 

(pattern Beth Zipay TatChat Shuttle, pattern here ) 
On the way to Carligford we stopped for some grub. I had salmon with veg and toasties and a healthy dash of white sauce. It was delicious, the salmon just melted in my mouth. Hubs had Mongolian beef and FIL had roast loin of pork with veg and all the trimmings. We washed it down with a very nice cappuccino. 

You can read here all about Carlingford. 

14 November 2025 ..... Tatting goes to .... Galway :) 

With very little planning we decided to get away for the weekend, a change of scenery does wonders to a challenged mind. Galway will always have a special place in my heart, not because we had our honeymoon there, because when I saw it for the 1st time, I fell in love with the place and the area, Connemara, the Burren, the Wild Atlantic Way etc. 

Read here all about Galway. It was raining when we started our journey this morning, but as we got closer to our destination, the rain stopped, but the wind kept blowing, and no matter how warmly you were dressed, the wind would find a way to get under ones coat. However the chill was fast cured with a nice cup of hot cocoa and a bun, it helped with the "thawing" of frozen knuckles. Bring in the heart of Gaeltachta (Irish Speaking Area) I did my best to use the cúpla focail (few words) I've learnt so far. My efforts were met with with ear to ear smiles from the ladies in the café, which made me giggle with pride. 

Our 1st stop was at the Coral Beach, read here about it. We always stop there when we go to Galway. Today the remnants of the Spanish storm made the wind extremely cold, but that didn't stop me from exploring the beach and gather a few bits of coral and shells. Shortly we will go into the town centre to explore the Christmas Market and have a bite to eat. 

I must say the food in the Market was amazing, the hot dogs we had absolutely scrumptious and went down sweetly. We also bought a chimney cake, but it was devoured before I could grab my cam 😜😂

Today inspire of same weather conditions we decided to go to the famous Kylmore Abbey in the heart of Connemara. You can read more about this place here. We walked around the Victorian Gardens, it's a huge place and I can only imagine what breathtaking can be during summer and spring in full color and splendour. Chilling wind and drizzly rain didn't discourage us, so we soldered on and explored every nook and corner of the garden. A cheeky little Robin was following us through our walk keeping an eye on us. 

The wooden sculptures are made by an artist that decided to turn storm victims into art. Amazingly well executed. 

on the way back to the hotel we were met by a light traffic jam, a mountain side that was peppered with sheep (can you count how many? 😂🐑⛰️😜) and a gorgeous sunset on the Atlantic that I was managed to catch at the roadside. 

Once back in the hotel I was relaxing with my tatting (Mike Lyon: Adagio on Strings) and watching TV until was time again to leave for dinner. 

We had the most amazing dinner ever, everything was cooked to perfection, portions were big enough. By the time we've finished, we were full to the gills, but we still had room for few drinks back at the hotel. I had the famous Connemara XO cocktail (yummm, I wanted to tell the waiter keep them coming,)  while hubs had beer. (Link to the restaurant here.) 

Next day (Sunday) the sun decided to show up and warm us a bit (annoying isn't it, how on the last day of your holiday the weather improved! Typical🙄), so we went to see the Aquarium and then toddle back home (link here). This is not my 1st time here, but whenever we are in the area we never skip visiting it. A lot of interesting facts and info about marine life local and international. Worth visiting :) 

It was a good weekend, a needed get away, we enjoyed it as much as we could, under the circumstances, I did leave a few tatted bits here and there, hoping whoever finds it will bring a smile on his/her face 😂😁😜

6th of December 2025..... Tatting goes to.... The Christmas Concert

(pattern Jan Tavasz) 

This is a major venue for my local band, everyone looking forward to it. This is the event where weeks and weeks of practising Xmas music and other tunes come together, pulling all the community of this little town together under the same roof for a bit of Xmas cheer. Young and all members performing on the stage brilliantly, parents beaming with pride and anthusiasm. Memories are shared, Santa giving out presents for the younglings....

When I was small I was looking forward to Xmas as a child to get presents, my parents couldn't afford much, but Santa always managed to leave something under the tree for me. As I grew up my views about Xmas have changed and I understood what Xmas was all about....Christmas was never about gifts, it was alway about family, big and small around the table, breaking bread, sharing memories, missing loved ones, being together, going to mass. All the things a family does together on this day.... 

As Tiny Tim would say: "God bless us every one" 

All the best

Anna

Christmas in July in the tatting world 2025

Dear Gentle Reader, 

Patterns belong to Wanda Salmans 

Christmas in July began in 1933 at Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina, thanks to the whimsical spirit of camp co-founder Fannie Holt.

The camp’s celebration included carols, Santa, cotton snow, and creative gifts, making midsummer feel magical.

Christmas in July (as some people call it, Half Christmas) eventually became a beloved summertime escape, especially with Hallmark's snowy movie marathons it became so popular that you not have even thought about who first dreamed up such a cheery, potentially cheesy, midsummer celebration.

Besides on hot days like July it's always welcomed something "cold", like a few flurries to cool self down. The first Christmas in July included carolers, a Christmas tree, Santa Claus, presents, and fake snow made of cotton. As the tradition evolved, campers would use laundry bags as makeshift stockings, which they placed outside their cabins to be filled with candy overnight. Eventually, elves, reindeer, and Mrs. Claus joined the act, along with a camp-wide gift exchange. 

To bring a little Christmas in July spirit in your homes The Online Tatting Class group thought to start off with Wanda's lovely patterns. You can find these on the group's website, link here and YouTube channel link here. Being a member and studeent of this awesome group it's a real priviladge. Every single time we have classes I learn something new. We also have laughter and stories are shared. But mostly and this is VERY IMPORTANT, every single student is learning how to tat in a safe and friendly inviroment, where the teacher encourages her  students to thrive and embrace this wonderful lace creating craft. 

Happy Tatting and 

All the best

Annamaria 

Tatting, in a nutshell 2025

Dear Gentle Reader 

What is tatting? you may ask... So here is me putting all the answers in a little nutshell for you....

Tatting is a type of lacemaking that involves creating intricate patterns with knots and loops using a shuttle and thread or needle and thread. It's a delicate craft, often used to make edgings, doilies, or even jewelry. While its exact origins are unclear, tatting is thought to have evolved from knotting techniques and gained popularity in the 19th century with the availability of finer threads. 

Here's a more detailed look:

What it is: Tatting is a lacemaking technique that uses a shuttles or needles to create knots and loops, forming a variety of decorative patterns. 

How it's done: A tatting shuttle holds the thread, which is manipulated to create double stitches that form rings and chains, formed from a series of cow hitch or half-hitch knots, called double stitches, over a core thread. Gaps can be left between the stitches to form picots, which are used for practical construction as well as decorative effect.

In German, tatting is usually known by the Italian-derived word Occhi or as Schiffchenarbeit, which means "work of the little boat", referring to the boat-shaped shuttle; in Italian, tatting is called chiacchierino, which means "chatty".

The earliest evidence for needle tatting dates from April 1917, in an article by M.E. Rozella, published in The Modern Priscilla.^[5] A tatting needle is a long, blunt needle that does not change thickness at the eye of the needle. The needle used must match the thickness of the thread chosen for the project. Rather than winding the shuttle, the needle is threaded with a length of thread. To work with a second color, a second needle is used. Although needle tatting looks similar to shuttle tatting, it differs in structure and is slightly thicker and looser because both the needle and the thread must pass through the stitches. However, it may be seen that the Victorian tatting pin would function as a tatting needle. As well, Florence Hartley refers in The Ladies' Hand Book of Fancy and Ornamental Work (1859) to the use of the tatting needle, so it must have originated prior to the mid-1800s.

In the late 20th century, tatting needles became commercially available in a variety of sizes, from fingering yarn (s sock yarn or thin wool yarn used for embroidery) down to size 80 tatting thread. Few patterns are written specifically for needle tatting; some shuttle tatting patterns may be used without modification.

Materials: Tatting typically uses a specialized shuttle and thread, often a fine cotton thread, though other materials can be used. A small crochet hook or needle is sometimes used to help with joining picots or working with finer threads. Older designs, especially through the early 1900s, tend to use fine white or ivory thread (50 to 100 widths to the inch) and intricate designs. Often they were constructed of small pieces 10 cm or less in diameter, which were then tied to each other to form a larger piece — a shawl, veil or umbrella, for example. This thread was either made of silk or a silk blend, to allow for improper stitches to be easily removed. The mercerization process strengthened cotton threads and spread their use in tatting. Newer designs from the 1920s and onward often use thicker thread in one or more colors, as well as newer joining methods, to reduce the number of thread ends to be hidden. The best thread for tatting is a "hard" thread that does not untwist readily. Cordonnet thread is a common tatting thread; Perl cotton is an example of a beautiful cord that is nonetheless a bit loose for tatting purposes. Some tatting designs incorporate ribbons and beads.

History: While some believe tatting evolved from knotting techniques used centuries ago, the form we recognize today emerged in the 19th century. The first published article in 1851 on how to join Picots with a crochet hook greatly speeded up the work.. 1864 saw the arrival of the second shuttle or Ball Thread, which was used for working a chain. This was attributed to Eleanor Riego. 

In "The Crochet Book, Fourth Series," Eléonore Riego de la Branchardière exemplifies an innovative approach to crochet, blending exquisite technical detail with an artistic flair. The book serves as a comprehensive guide, showcasing patterns that range from the intricate to the accessible, reflecting the Victorian era's fascination with domestic arts. Riego de la Branchardière's prose is imbued with a conversational yet authoritative tone, allowing both novices and skilled artisans to engage deeply with the craft. The volume not only presents a collection of patterns but also contextualizes crochet within the broader tapestry of 19th-century fiber arts, inspiring readers to appreciate the social and aesthetic dimensions of their work. As an influential figure in the realm of needlework literature, Riego de la Branchardière draws from her own extensive experience in textile arts, as well as the aesthetic movements surrounding her. Her passion for crochet is evident in the meticulous instruction and evocative illustrations that characterize this series. Through her work, she both preserves and innovates traditional techniques, appealing to a generation eager for both guidance and inspiration. Recommended for both aspiring crafters and seasoned practitioners, "The Crochet Book, Fourth Series" is a treasure trove of creativity that invites readers to explore their artistic talents. With its rich historical context and practical guidance, this book stands as an essential resource, advocating  was a luminary in the nineteenth-century needlework revival, a period which saw an explosion of interest in crafts and domestic arts. Known particularly for her pioneering work in crochet, Riego de la Branchardière is credited with popularizing the lace-like crochet technique known as 'Irish crochet,' which emulated fine Venetian point laces. Her manual 'The Crochet Book, Fourth Series' is one of the many she authored, contributing significantly to the Victorian craft movement. Throughout her works, Eléonore emphasized precision, creativity, and the educational value of needlework. Her books provided clear instructions and patterns that were accessible to a wide audience, enabling the refinement of skills in the comfort of one's home. Not only are her publications of historical interest, but they remain valuable resources to present-day crafters seeking to explore traditional techniques. Riego de la Branchardière's literary style is characterized by its didactic tone and attention to detail, reflecting her dedication to imparting her mastery to others. Though definitive biographical details are sparse, her literary output testifies to an enduring legacy in the fields of crochet and handicrafts, signaling her as a paragon of the Victorian craft movement.

Tatting may have developed from netting and decorative ropework as sailors and fishermen would put together motifs for girlfriends and wives at home. Decorative ropework employed on ships includes techniques (esp. coxcombing) that show striking similarity with tatting. 

Some believe tatting originated over 200 years ago, often citing shuttles seen in 18th-century paintings of women such as Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Princess Marie Adélaïde of France, and Anne, Countess of Albemarle. A close inspection of those paintings, however, shows that the shuttles in question are too large to be tatting shuttles, and that they are actually knotting shuttles. There is no documentation of or examples of tatted lace that dates prior to 1800. All available evidence shows that tatting originated in the early 19th century. However, recent research by Cary Karp demonstrates some potential connections between the two fiber arts. According to Karp, "Knotting and tatting did appear sequentially in the historical record and can reasonably be regarded separately...the demarcation between the structures that characterise knotting, and the central elements of tatting, was not as clear cut as is often maintained."

As most fashion magazines and home economics magazines from the first half of the 20th century attest, tatting had a substantial following. When fashion included feminine touches such as lace collars and cuffs, and inexpensive yet nice baby shower gifts were needed, this creative art flourished. As the fashion moved to a more modern look and technology made lace an easy and inexpensive commodity to purchase, hand-made lace began to decline. Tatting has been used in occupational therapy to keep convalescent patients' hands and minds active during recovery, as documented, for example, in Betty MacDonald's The Plague & I.

And here's a bit of history that involves my 2nd hometown 

Uses: Tatting is used to create a wide range of items, including edgings for linens, doilies, collars, and jewelry like earrings, necklaces, brooches, bracelets, baby stuff, wedding stuff etc. Tatting is fun, it takes us a very small space in your bag, pocket (if you are carrying your shuttles with you, you cant do that with your needles), doesn't require a ton of supplies (shuttle, ball of thread, crochet hook and scissors), it's also the least expensive of all crafts. 

Distinction from Crochet: While both are forms of lacemaking, crochet uses a hook to create loops and stitches, while tatting uses knots and a shuttle. Tatting also tends to produce more durable and intricate lace. 

Bit more about tatting here

Resources: 

- Wikipedia 

- Guild of Irish Lace Makers 

    Www.irishlaceguild.com

- www.britannica.com

- Pam Palmer: Tatting (permission to use the page from her Mom's book was given to me by her daughter Sarah Baldock) 

The useful tatting journal 2025

Dear Gentle Reader, 

A tatting journal is a notebook specifically designed for documenting tatting projects, techniques. It typically includes space for recording information about the pattern, materials used, and the finished piece, along with photos and samples. This allows tatters to keep track of their work, revisit successful patterns, and avoid repeating unsuccessful ones, while also noting who received their creations. 

My tatting journal {created in 2020 (when I started tatting more seriously and signed up for classes) up to this day} serves as a sample book too and I also keep record of my good threads, that are nicely tucked in the drawers of my storage unit. Every drawer contains a size. I have threads from size 10 up to size 80, these are Lizbeth, cotton threads. This high quality thread is shiny and has a rich and vibrant color. It is super-combed, gas-singed for outstanding body, mercerized, and colorfast. The thread is made with a natural fiber. It's a bit twisty (it's only flaw), however a tatter learns a few tricks of the trade to reduce this twist 😜😁. 

My new discovery are polystyrene threads called C-lon, they are micro cords and they tat up beautifully, especially jewellery. C-lon thread is nylon and you'd need a burner for a clean finish to avoid unravelling. It's strong, thin, waterproof. A dear friend of mine (who is also my tatting teacher 😜) introduced them to me for which I'm eternally grateful. 

Of course there are a rake if other threads besides Lizbeth on the market, but these are my favored ones. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

Purpose:

A tatting journal helps crafters organize their tatting projects, track their progress, and document their creative journey.

Content:

These journals usually include dedicated sections for:

Project Details: Pattern name, designer, materials (thread type, color, quantity), date started/finished.

Notes: Space for jotting down notes on the pattern, any modifications made, or tips for future projects.

Photos: Many journals include space to attach photos or swatches of the finished piece, allowing for visual reference.

Gift Giving: Some journals have sections to record who received the finished piece and their reactions.

Benefits:

By using a tatting journal, crafters can:

Stay Organized: Easily find and reference past projects.

Improve Skills: Learn from past successes and mistakes.

Avoid Duplicates: Keep track of gifts to avoid giving the same item to the same person.

Track Progress: See how their tatting skills have developed over time.

These later information were obtained through Google. 😁😎😜

If you, dear reader, you're a tatter and you'd like to make such a notebook, I shall leave here the link  where my teacher speaks about this useful lil notebooks. Link here 

You can have separate tatting journals, one for shuttle tatting, one for needle tatting, and for samples OR you can make something like I did all-in-one tatting journal. For me this is the best way, because this small notebook, I can pop in my bag with a few patterns, or a tatting book and off I go, I can tat anywhere, anytime 😜📖😁🪡🧶➰➿🧵

All the best,

Happy tatting

Annamaria

Tatting Jewelery - Corina Meyfeldt Earrings 2025

Dear Gentle Reader, 

Tatting is one of the oldest forms of lace making. It can come in many different shapes and forms. Jewellery is one of those tatted articles that are loved by everyone. Who doesn't love dainty, lacy, beaded jewelry? Right??!! ..... Right!!!! 😜😁

All through my tatting adventures (and through the tatting classes I'm signed up for 😜) I came across 2 super cute tatted earring patterns. Grew to love them both. These cute patterns belong to the wonderful tatter and designer called Corina Meyfeldt. She has lots of amazing patterns. 

On her blog Corina says about the "Wave" that  "the pattern is simple, so simple that is is boring. But do not rush while working it. Simple things can punish pretty hard the impatient hand." and goodness me, she was right. Blink and ops Murphy steps in and ruins your project 😜

There's another of her pattern's called "Simple RoR Earrings".  I just adore these 2 patterns. I made loads of each , different colors, different beads. I love these 2 patterns, I can see myself making even more of each one😜

Both are made of rings, there are certain types of joins, and delicious beads and only 1 shuttle or 1 needle.  Both contain techniques that can be challenging, but not impossible to do nor complicated, with a little bit of practice they are all doable. Just remember Corina's words and have as much fun tatting these as I am having. 

Both patterns can be found on her blog here. or on The Online Tatting Class website pattern collection  here and here. , or on The Online Tatting Class YouTube channel here and here.

All the best, 

Happy Tatting 

Annamaria 

Picot Bingo 2024

Dear Gentle Reader, 

Well I'm not a huge fan of Bingo, yet I decided to play Bingo....Picot Bingo of the Tatting World. 

So here it is where you can read all about it as I copy/paste from the email I was sent. Thank you ever so much Natalie Rogers :) 

**************

Welcome to the challenge Annamaria! You are well on your way to a PICOT bingo!

Annamaria's submissions:

Use A New Tool - a gorgeous Banyek Shuttle

Tat Fauna - Pattern by Hannah Crowle from the magazine Ring of Tatters.

Tat A Snowflake - pattern by Jennifer Williams.

Add Beads - Pattern from a Japanese tatting book.

Free Space - Because it has bare thread space. Heart pattern by Mark Myers.

Tat Flora - This is a flower Annamaria put together after 2 classes with Katia Vallee. 

Josephine Chain

Tat A Doily - Pattern: Sophie by Ewa Wasyliszyn.

Split Ring - "Pattern from magazine Ring of Tatters, by Faith Dunn (I think. Not sure, it was in issue 67)"

Tat A Necklace, pumpkin from LeCosedellaAnto blog. 

Free-Form Tatting - Image created with patterns from Jane Eborall and Barbara Foster.

Tat Earrings - Pattern by Debbie Arnold from the book Charming Little Angels.

Onion Rings - Bookmark pattern by Robin Perfetti.

Split chain--split chain fan by Katia Vallee 

Annamaria is a needle and shuttle tatter. Most of the work above was tatted with a needle before she learned to shuttle tat.

Annamaria, your work is beautiful! Thank you so much for joining in on our PICOT bingo challenge! Your rose shuttle is gorgeous, and I love all the beautiful things you have tatted and your color choices! Happy Tatting!

****************

I'm not expecting to win anything at the end of the year, but this was a fun journey. I've enjoyed every single minute of it. I shall be doing more Picot Bingo in the future :)

UPDATE: I did win a lovely pattern I'm looking forward to tat. Happy days and happy tatting everyone :) 

Kind regards, 

All the best, 

Annamaria 

Summer break projects - Summer of 2024

Dear Gentle Reader,

Once classes came to an end one couldn't just stay idol and wait until the classes would start again in September, so one got onto social media and looked through many books to find projects that included what one has learnt during all those 11 lessons. And one had success in her research and loved every second of it :) 

I've talked about the 2 top projects before on another post, link here

The 2 middle ones and the 2 bottom ones, come from this link I used as inspiration, link here. While working these little cobweb wheels I've noticed that playing with picots can give your project a new dimension, creating a more airy, lacy look. Or just restricting the whole thing is turning it into a completely new thing, which will open a new adventure to the creative mind. I can see skirts for angels, bells, ghosts (as a friend suggested it), oh and I'm sure there are many more possibilities to come up with. I shall mention about this in another blog post a little bit later. So watch this space 😜

Travelling further through the wonderful world of tatting I'm discovering more treasures in books I have. This book I've found in a Hungarian trift store years ago. I must say I'm glad I didn't  leave it there. 

These patterns belong to Milena Tomkova and it can be found in her book Frivolitkova Krajka. Of course these are patterns that one can play with, make them in 2 colours or like patchwork put them together. 

In her book I've found a few ice crystals using bare thread method too. They are soooo pretty, I couldn't resist not making them. They will be really tiny ones when tatted with threads size 80 or 100. 😜

Nothing is nicer and refreshing on a hot summer's day then a cup of icecream, a nice drive around the county/counties and your favourite craft 😜 I'm working on another summer project called Daisy Doily by Janette Baker from the book Learn To Tat. 

I know it's a mish-mash of colours, but that's not important for this, the important part is that I'm practicing some techniques with my shuttles, techniques I've learnt on needle tatting classes. I can't wait to start my shuttle tatting classes in September. Link here, peek in, register so you can watch these classes with amazing teachers LIVE, or link here to watch these classes on re-play. These classes are both for needle and shuttle tatting, and if you are a beginner like me or just looking for a refresher class THESE classes are your go to. 

Apologies for the blurry photo, this is one way of protecting the designer's property from theft, the watermark is mine, it showes I took the picture after I made the project. The picture that's not blurred out is public domain pattern, accessible to everyone on the Internet. 

Learning New Tricks In Needle Tatting

Dear Gentle Reader, 

I started learning tatting more seriously 4 years ago during lock down. My go to were the fb groups, YouTube and my books. I was advised to learn to tat with both shuttle and needle, and only then decide which tool suits me better. Back then I wasn't friends with my shuttles, but not long ago I had an epic moment Read all about it here and I and my shuttles are friends again.

But let's just go back to my needles... 

A few months back, more precisely on the 13th 9f March 2024 The Online Tatting Class started a new season of needle tatting classes with a new teacher, Katia, fenomenal lady, wonderful, kind, pacient, helpful teacher, it's a pleasure to learn from her and chat with her. With her help I've managed to decipher the more intricate sides of tatting. And, oh boy, that was such an eye opener to realize I can tat now patterns that I've looked past, because I didn't know the "how to". Now I'm thirsty for more...

These lessons are available on YouTube here

Since then week by week I've learned something new, something interesting, something unique.

These are just a few pages from my needle tatting journal. Everytime I look through it I feel happier and more confident that now I can tat almost everything that comes my way. TOTC are taking a Sumner break now, but that won't stop me searching for summer break projects that include the lessons I've learnt so far. And this is how I came across Mark Myers Heart Motif, available for purchase on Etsy. 

It has true rings, half closed true rings, bare thread space, joins, picots....almost everything I've learnt in those 11 weeks before the break.

Now on to another pattern for more theory into practice thingy 😜

Apologies for the blurry photo, this is one way of protecting the designer's property from theft, the watermark is mine, it showes I took the picture after I made the project.

All the best

Sincerelly yours

 Anna

Shuttle Tatting - New Adventure

Dear Gentle Reader, 

Ladies and gentlemen today I made history😁😍.... Today was the day when I became friends with my shuttles...after years of hairpulling (I still have a few locks of hair left which are turning grey at this point), tears, cursing, throwing my shuttles into the deepest drawer I could find, today I made it. I almost cried when I saw my shuttles cooperating with my fingers and motions and like magic a celtic circle was born just from a shuttle tatted chain. 1st step was made today and will remain ingraved in the dust of the tatting world like the famous steps on the Moon. Now it will take me a few years to reach the level I gained with my needles, but now I feel very optimistic about this new adventure with my shuttles. Life is amazing, happy tatting :) ❤️🧶🧵➿➰

Another first for me. 😜😁And the adventure continues with small motif as I'm practicing the elements I've learnt in the classes. 

Not bad for a 1st try with 2 shuttles. Small motif found in a Japanese book by Matsue Ito. 

Now that I know how to make a chain, rings and picots with my shuttles I can tat almost anything, but 1st I have to learn how to crawl, then how to walk before I can run. 

This snowflake is made with 2 shuttles, and 2 colours. I also made this one 4 years ago with 1 needle, and then last month made the same with 2 needles. The difference is just amazing, I can see how much neater my double stitches are and how much I have evolved since. It means soooooo much to learn a few tricks of the trade from professionals and amazing teachers. 

So here are all three snowflakes made with 2 different tatting tools. 

The pattern is called Snowflake "Alison" from the book "Tatted Snowflakes" by Jeniffer Williams. 

However my tatting adventure doesn't stop here. More to follow. 😁😜😊

Sincerelly yours

Anna